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Background: This research paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of gender identification utilizing palatal rugae. Materials and Methods: The size of the sample that was selected included 100 people. They were made up of 50 men and 50 women, all in between the ages of 18 and 25. To examine their palatal rugae patterns, casts were made after taking maxillary impressions. Based on the size and rugae amount found on the left as well as the right sides, the palatal rugae patterns were investigated. Rugae patterns have been recognized based on the categorization provided by Thomas and Kotze (1983). Statistical Analysis: Chi-square analysis has been used. Results: There were comparative variations in the shape of rugae patterns among male and female individuals. The study revealed that the circular pattern was higher in males (P < 0.01) as compared to females and the unification pattern was comparatively greater in females (P < 0.05) as compared to males. The most predominant pattern that was seen in both genders was the wavy pattern that was seen to be present in 57.17% of males and 53.42% of females. The rugae number on the right and left sides did not exhibit any significant variations. Conclusions: This research thus exhibits a relevant difference in patterns of rugae and also confirms the uniqueness of patterns in each individual. Hence, it could be utilized as an adjunct to other tools for identification in the forensic sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) is one of the most important treatable endocrine causes of short stature. A problem anywhere in the Growth Hormone (GH) - Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) axis can lead to short stature. Childhood GH deficiency can be congenital, acquired, or idiopathic. Hereby, the authors present a case series consisting of five cases of short stature, aimed to provide an overview of the spectrum of GH-related disorders. All five patients presented to the Paediatric Endocrinology Outpatient Department of a tertiary care Institute with complaints of not gaining height. The patients in present case series had significant short stature (Z score for height <-3 SD (Standard Deviation) in each case). These patients were suspected of having GH deficiency based on clinical presentation and investigations. After a proper diagnostic work-up and GH stimulation tests, cases 1 to 4 were found to have GH deficiency. The 5th case was suspected of having Laron Syndrome based on high GH levels and low IGF-1. There were subtle differences in the spectrum of GH deficiency. The 1st case had Multiple Pituitary Hormone Deficiency (MPHD). Cases 2 to 4 had Isolated Growth Hormone Deficiency (IGHD). Case 2 had findings of pituitary stalk interruption on brain imaging. We found a genetic association in the 3rd case, while the 4th case had almost normal brain imaging. Cases 1 to 4 received GH therapy, and all showed appreciable height gain. These subtle differences can sometimes make the diagnosis difficult, and often a different approach to treatment is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital dentistry has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to improve the accuracy of implant placement and prosthesis fabrication. However, the literature on its effectiveness remains controversial, and a systematic review and meta-analysis are necessary to evaluate the available evidence. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple online databases using MeSH keywords and Boolean operators. Data extraction was performed, and a bias assessment was conducted based on modified CONSORT guidelines. The pooled odds ratios (OR) and risk ratios (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were then calculated. Five studies met the inclusion criteria. The overall analysis showed no statistically significant difference in the accuracy of implant placement and prosthesis fabrication between digital and conventional techniques (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.73 to 1.23 and RR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.73 to 1.23). Subgroup analysis based on individual studies did not demonstrate consistent results. This review suggests that digital techniques do not significantly impact the accuracy of implant placement and prosthesis fabrication compared to conventional techniques in an in vitro setting. However, the overall evidence is limited by the small number of studies and the heterogeneity observed. Future well-designed studies, including randomized controlled trials and clinical studies, are needed to provide more robust evidence on the effectiveness of digital dentistry in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adequate horizontal and vertical bone volume is an ideal prerequisite to achieving good primary stability, osseointegration, and long-term survival of an implant. Several techniques are available to achieve adequate bone volume for implant placement. Among the various non-subtractive methods, ridge expansion with motorized bone expanders is a commonly used method to expand bone volume in the anterior maxilla. At the same time, osseodensification is another non-subtractive method that aims to improve primary stability., Aim: This study aimed to compare the expansion achieved by the two most commonly used expansion methods, i.e., motorized bone expanders technique and a relatively newer technique of osseodensification suggested by Densah Bur (Jackson, Michigan, United States), for expanding the alveolar ridge in the anterior maxillary region.  Materials and methods: A total of 30 implants were placed in the anterior maxillary region in 15 patients. Fifteen implants were placed with the bone expander method (Dentium Ridge Spreader (RS) kit, Cypress, California, United States) and 15 with the osseodensification method (Densah® Bur). At least two implants were placed in each patient. The implants were placed in the first and second quadrants of the same patients in whom one of the methods was performed. Alveolar ridge expansion was determined using pre-op and post-op cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) instantly before implant placement and after six months. Primary stability was also analyzed using Osstell (Gothenburg, Sweden) immediately after implant placement and after one month and secondary stability after six months in implant stability quotient (ISQ). These parameters were used to assess which method promoted greater alveolar ridge expansion and primary stability., Result: The test for normality was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk test between the pre- and post-treatment data between group A (motorized ridge expander) and group B (osseodensification technique). There were p-values of 0.737 and 0.429, which were not significant. Bone thickness was measured both preoperatively and postoperatively among the groups. The mean bone thickness in group A was 4.37 mm preoperatively and 5.8 mm postoperatively. The similarity between the preoperative and postoperative bone thickness was 4.336 mm and 5.24 mm, respectively. For the bone measurements, the p-value <0.001 is highly significant. On further analysis, the p-value for the paired samples t-test for group A postoperative bone thickness and group B postoperative bone thickness was 0.894, and the p-value for the t-test for group A postoperative bone thickness and group B postoperative bone thickness was 0.955. ISQ was also analyzed. In group A, the mean ISQ one month postoperatively was 53.2 and six months postoperatively was 73.4. In group B, the mean ISQ one month postoperatively was 65.4 and six months postoperatively was 76.2. The p-value for the ISQ of group A was 0.004, the ISQ of group B was 0.023, and the ISQ of groups A and B in the first month was 0.015. In the sixth month, the ISQ in group A and group B was 0.592.  Conclusion: According to the results of the study, motorized ridge expanders proved to be more effective in terms of ridge expansions and achieving better primary stability than the osseodensification technique., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Ethics Committee of the Institute of Technology and Sciences issued approval ITSDCGN/2018/001. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Tushar et al.)

Aim: The present study assessed the three-dimensional bone loss, at three different levels, around implants placed immediately after extraction using the socket shield method versus immediate implant placement., Materials and Methods: A non-randomized clinical trial was conducted in 30 cases divided into two groups: socket shield method and immediate implant placement (15 cases each). Horizontal bone width (HBW) (at three different levels from baseline) and vertical bone level (VBL) (mesial and distal surfaces of the implant) were measured preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively by using cone beam computed tomography and radio visio graphy., Results: The mean difference at 2-mm and 8-mm HBW from the baseline was better in the socket shield technique, although the results were not significant. Significant results were found in Levene's test for equality of error variances. The VBL was significant at both the distal and mesial surfaces of the implant., Conclusion: The socket shield approach demonstrated promising clinical outcomes in preserving alveolar ridge morphology. It can be utilized as a substitute for the typical instantaneous implant placement in the aesthetic zone., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences.)

Objective: The objective is to comparatively assess the impact strength and flexural strength of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) vs. computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) polymethyl methacrylate denture base material., Methods: A total of 90 samples were fabricated with traditional heat cure PMMA, PEEK, and CAD/CAM PMMA and divided into three groups of 30 samples each. The impact strength of all the samples was measured using an Izod impact tester with a pendulum in the air at 23±2°C. A three-point bending test was used in a Universal Testing Machine to assess the flexural strength of all the samples. The impact strength and flexural strength mean values were computed using a one-way ANOVA test., Result: Impact strength and flexural strength of PEEK (IS=10.22±1.25 kJ/m 2 and FS=120±8.0 MPa) is almost identical to CAD/CAM PMMA sample (IS=9.595±3.313 kJ/m 2 and FS=118.11±5.00 MPa) whereas for conventional heat cure PMMA (IS=4.00±.011 kJ/m 2 and FS=75.4±4.50 MPa) the values are least among the three., Conclusion:  PEEK or CAD/CAM PMMA share almost identical and superior mechanical properties, and both can be used as better alternatives for complete denture fabrication rather than using conventional heat cure PMMA., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, . et al.)

Background: The phenotypical profile of cardiovascular malformations in patients with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) is varied. We aimed to describe the profile of cardiac defects among CRS patients detected in the sentinel CRS surveillance in India during 2016-22., Methods: Sentinel sites enrolled infants with suspected CRS based on presence of cardiac defects, hearing impairment, eye signs, or maternal history of febrile rash illness. Suspected CRS cases underwent detailed systemic examination, including echocardiography and serological investigation for rubella. Cardiac defects were categorized as 'Simple' or 'Complex' as per the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute classification. We compared the distribution of cardiac defects among laboratory confirmed CRS cases and seronegative discarded cases., Findings: Of the 4578 suspected CRS cases enrolled by 14 sites, 558 (12.2%) were laboratory confirmed. 419 (75.1%) laboratory confirmed cases had structural heart defects (simple defects: n = 273, 65.2%, complex defects: n = 144, 34.4%), with ventricular septal defect (42.7%), atrial septal defect (39.4%), patent ductus arteriosus (36.5%), and tetralogy of Fallot as the commonest defects (4.5%). Laboratory confirmed CRS cases had higher odds of left to right shunt lesions (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.15-2.17). This was mainly on account of a significant association of PDA with CRS (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.42-2.21). Mortality was higher among CRS patients with complex heart defects (HR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.26-3.30)., Interpretation: Three-fourths of the laboratory confirmed CRS cases had structural heart defects. CRS patients with complex cardiac defects had higher mortality. Detecting CRS infection early and providing timely intervention for cardiovascular defects is critical for the management of CRS patients., Funding: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India, through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance., Competing Interests: None declared., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Background: The discrimination power of the pediatric risk of mortality (PRISM), pediatric index of mortality (PIM), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), and pediatric logistic organ dysfunction (PELOD) may not always be true for countries such as India due to differences in factors from those nations where these scoring systems were validated. Therefore, this study was undertaken to determine and compare severity, course of illness, and outcomes in critically ill children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) using different scoring systems such as PRISM 4, PIM 3, PELOD 2, and the pediatric sequential organ failure assessment (pSOFA ) score, and to analyze the clinical spectrum and demographic profile of children admitted to the PICU., Materials and Method: This was a prospective, single-center, observational study conducted in the PICU of the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science, Patna, India, over two years. Two hundred children in the age group of one month to 14 years admitted to the PICU were recruited into the study. Prognostic scoring systems, including PRISM4 and PIM3, were used to compare the outcome, mortality, and length of PICU stay, whereas PELODS and pSOFA were descriptive scores that assessed the multiorgan dysfunction. A correlation between the different scoring systems and the outcome was determined., Results: The majority of children (26.5%, n=53) were one to three years of age. The maximum number of patients was male (66.5%, n=133). Renal complications were the predominant admission diagnosis in 19% (n=38) of children. The mortality rate was found to be 18.5%. The mortality was most common in infants <1 year of age (n=11, 29.73%) and those of the male sex (n=22, 59.46%). A significant correlation was found between length of stay and mortality (p<0.00001). A significant positive correlation was observed between mortality and PRISM 4, PIM 3, PELOD 2, and pSOFA scores on the first day of admission (p<0.00001). The pSOFA and PELOD2 showed better discrimination power (area under the curve (AUC): 0.77 and 0.74, respectively)., Conclusion: The study concluded that the pSOFA and PELOD2 scores are reliable predictors of mortality in critically ill children., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, . et al.)

Disorders of temporomandibular joint (TMDs) are characterised by a variety of symptoms, including discomfort in the orofacial region, muscle tenderness, restricted jaw motion and noise at the joint. Additional neurological symptoms such as headaches, vertigo, heaviness, and altered vision may also coexist with TMDs. Because prostaglandin production is a critical mediator of inflammatory reaction and is inhibited by corticosteroids, they have anti-inflammatory effects. Platelet rich plasma popularly considered as PRP is a concentration of platelets and related growth factors that may have therapeutic effects by attracting, promoting, and differentiating cells as well as redesigning tissue. 64 joints totaling 40 individuals with temporomandibular joint problems were split into two categories (Category A and Category B). PRP was applied to category A's (36 joints of 20 patients) joints, while Group B's joints received hydrocortisone combined with local anaesthetic (28 joints of 20 patients). Patients were evaluated for tenderness, , maximum inter incisal opening (MIO) and clicking sound at TMJ prior to and following treatment at intervals of one week, one month and 6 months of the first week and third month. When there was comparison of outcomes in study participants receiving injections of platelet rich plasma and study participants receiving injections of hydrocortisone with local anesthetic then it was found that although both type of study participants got reduction in pain, increased opening of mouth and reduction in clicking sound however the difference between two groups was not significant statistically. There was no statistically significant difference between injections of platelet rich plasma and hydrocortisone with local anesthetic solution regarding outcomes in disorders of temporomandibular joint, however the results were slightly better in study participants receiving platelet rich plasma injections. This study demonstrated that while treating patients with TMJ issues, local anaesthesia combined with hydrocortisone as well as intra-articular injection of PRP help in reduction in pain, increase mouth opening, and minimize joint sound. Additionally, it was discovered that intra-articular injection of PRP was more successful in treating patients in this trial than local anaesthetic combined with hydrocortisone., (© 2022 Biomedical Informatics.)

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and bruxism among elderly population in Ranchi, India., Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 600 elderly subjects; data regarding the signs and symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorder and bruxism were recorded using both structured questionnaire and clinical examination. Spearman correlation analysis was done to find the association between TMD and bruxism., Results: Out of 600 subjects, 49% were males and 51% were females. The overall prevalence of TMD-related symptoms like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, difficulty in jaw opening, TMJ sounds, and bruxism were 10.5, 11.2, 14, and 17% among elderly subjects. TMD symptoms and bruxism were relatively more commonly seen among females when compared to males. According to logistic regression (significantly correlated independent variables, i.e., TMD symptoms among analyzed variables), the dependent variable like bruxism had highest odds ratio, i.e., 8 for 60-70 years age-group and 15.1 for 70-80 year age-group., Conclusion: There was a lesser prevalence of symptoms related to TMD and bruxism among the study population, and bruxism had the highest odds ratio in TMD between the analyzed variables., Clinical Significance: Human aging contributes too many oral problems, while resolving these, the felt needs of the population are sometimes ignored which adds up to the growing list of issues. Studies have shown inconclusive evidence regarding the prevalence of symptoms related to TMD and bruxism as these are known to trouble elderly populations.

Objective: The objective of the research was to review the literature on clinical evaluation and success of screw-retained dental implants by assessing the marginal bone loss (MBL)., Methods: Online electronic databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library were searched using appropriate keywords for the last 20 years, dated from January 1, 2000, till August 1, 2021, with a restriction on language. Additional sources like major journals, unpublished studies, conference proceedings, and cross-references were explored. Information curated for data extraction included methodology, population, type of implants used, and duration of follow-up., Results: The PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and additional sources identified a huge number, out of which 637 search results were screened, out of which 322 were duplicates. The remaining 315 unique studies were screened for the titles and abstracts, and 23 articles were selected for full-text screening. A total of six articles that matched the eligibility criteria were processed for qualitative analysis., Conclusion: Despite the uncertain retrievability of screw-retained implant-supported fixed restorations, this treatment option in fixed implant prosthodontics is a reliable and effective choice, especially for implant-supported long-span fixed partial dentures (FPDs), full-arch FPDs, and cantilever FPDs.